*MAP will be attending and hosting a resource table

Please RSVP via Wayne State’s event link on the left.

Sex trafficking involves commercialized sex acts in exchange for something of value. There are two basic forms of sex trafficking: (1) trafficking adults through force, fraud, or coercion and (2) trafficking children. Far from being a “foreign” problem, sex trafficking has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, as both the internet and substance dependency provide greater access to vulnerability. Vulnerable populations are often the most targeted, including homeless youth, victims of discrimination, asylum-seekers, and victims of domestic violence. Although sex trafficking has become a popular topic, it is rife with misconceptions. Unfortunately, many laws, policies, and practices misplace the emphasis on criminalizing and pathologizing trafficked individuals. This emphasis erroneously prosecutes sex trafficking victims, which subsequently empowers the traffickers.

Advancing a future of effective legal advocacy requires deconstructing misconceptions about sex trafficking and recognizing its often intraracial character. On April 12 at Wayne Law, experts on state and federal sex trafficking laws will explore the current status and future goals of sex trafficking law reform. Through a comprehensive assessment, this conference will advance social justice for those who are dedicated to eradicating the exploitation of the vulnerable.

Continuing education credits for social workers are free.